I always dreamed of fishing the Miramichi and other costal rivers in the region for Atlantic salmon. I might plan a trip there with my dad, uncle and cousin in a year or so and was looking for information and websites regarding this.

Anyone from this neck of the woods or happen to have any information. What about lodging and travel, any airports within the area. Any local towns or hospitals?

Also, what should I expect "river-wise" in this area. Are there many rivers that harbor Atlantics, or just a select few. What about private rivers and seasons? Are some rivers only allowed a certain number of rods per week, year, etc? Is the land owned by individuals, are certain beats private?

What time of year is best, within the season? I know atlantics spawn in the fall, but is this the best time to target them, or would summer be better and more worthwhile? What about spring grilse, I heard about this angling for "blackies" before?

Ahhhh......yesss, what to take spey wise? Long bellied lines, adapter shooting heads, sink tips....what works best. I will have a 14' 9wt "euro" rod, and a 13' 2" 9wt "euro" or possibly a 12'4" 8wt "euro", as well as a 12'6" 7wt traditional....are these alright to try my hands with a spey? Fly selection? I know if I go during summer, I want to try my hands with drys? Otherwise, what works well....

Lastly, are there any brook trout streams by ones hosting landlock salmon?

Please offer any advice possible! By the way, please don't tell me if I don't have a Barbour overcoat, one of those english chap hats, and a pipe I won't fit in.....LOL I don't want to have to go spend my wallet to look like I know what I am doing.....not that it matters!

Talk to Smolt (Charles) he has fished the Miramichi and other rivers in the area for a long time. Just be prepared for non stop atlantic salmon stories.

Heck I even know how to properly pronounce it now.

Those old Wild Steelhead and Salmon books do have some detailed articles on atlantic salmon fishing and the Miramichi. I have one very detailed article on it. Lots of articles over the years thoughon the Miramichi system

Many of the better beats are tied up, you need to pay $$$ for access. It also costs some nice green to get there and sleep somewhere. Let alone eat some food. Would probably want to invest in a guide just to enhance your chances of hooking up.

Using a guide once would help you on the rest of your shoestring trip.

Even if you drive it will cost more than a tank of gas, ever price gas north of the border? Kind of costly compared to us.

I have been fishing the Miramichi since 1984 and have done it both the very expensive way and the more affordable way. While your chances of catching fish is better with an outfitter fishing private water at about $450 USD a day per rod (food, lodging, guide included), you can catch fish reasonably on your own as well. Actually, three fisherman can fish for week for about $100 USD a day each, or even less if you camp (food, lodging, guide included) on decent public water. You must have a guide in NB. I'll talk to you in detail at the clave.

Smolt touched on it, but let me emphasize it. Non-residents MUST, by law, have a guide present whenver you are on the water salmon fishing. I believe you can get by with one guide for every three anglers, but that guide must be within the visual presence of all three fishermen. In case you are wondering, this law is enforced and it's the people who are fishing "public" water who are most likely to be nabbed. I remember being watched by a warden with binoculars many years ago. He was making sure my guide had contact with me and that it didn't appear as if I had any additional weight on the leader or fly. This was on a very popular public area right in Doaktown, though I've forgotten the name of the beat. It is actually cheaper and less hassle to fish in Quebec, especially the eastern Gaspe rivers like the York, Dartmouth, and Ste Jean if you're planning on doing it without an lodge/outfitter. Send me a PM for more information.